Land

Makahū‘ena resides in the ahupua‘a of Weliweli. Early Hawaiians adhered to an efficient and sustainable land
management system called ahupua‘a, wedge shaped land sections that usually ran from the mountains to
the sea. Each ahupua‘a contained the resources to sustain the native population from fish and
salt, to fertile land for farming taro or sweet potato, to koa and other trees growing in upslope areas.
Remnants from archaeological studies note that Keoneloa Bay and Makahū‘ena Point once hosted a thriving
native Hawaiian fishing village. Villagers from the coast often traded fish for other foods or for wood to build
canoes and houses. Breadfruit, taro and coconut are still visible to this day along the coastline heritage trail.

Sea

The surrounding area hosts a bounty of ocean delights and recreation. Swimming, surfing and cliff jumping
in Keoneloa Bay are favorites among locals and visitors alike, and traditional fishing, diving and gathering
of limu (edible sea plants) and ʻopihi (edible limpets) continue along the coast. Makahū‘ena Point has
remained a favorite area for fishing throughout history. Today, that tradition lives on with many who fish
here casting their lines out into the ocean in hopes of landing a fish to feed their ‘ohana.

People

Historically, the most skilled fishermen used their incredible resourcefulness to design and build traditional
fishing implements for various purposes like catching octopus, tuna, and other reef fish. The craftsmanship
and care of these implements is a testament to the deep-rooted knowledge of their surrounding
environment. These highly specialized tools are cherished pieces of history and each piece is a story within
itself. Examples may be viewed within the Kaua‘i Museum in Līhu‘e.